About YBTT

Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago (YBTT) is a non-profit organization that is an accredited member of Youth Business International (YBI), a global network of youth business programs. YBTT was established in January 2001 and is registered as a charitable entity in accordance with Trinidad and Tobago’s Corporation Tax Act.

Our primary focus is on empowering young individuals aged between 18-35 who lack the opportunity to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations and contribute to their communities through self-employment. YBTT partners with the business community in both the public and private sectors to achieve our goal.

At YBTT, we recognize the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset in secondary school students to ensure the sustainability of our initiatives. We work towards inspiring and empowering young minds to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams through targeted interventions.

In addition to our focus on youth entrepreneurship, we are also committed to promoting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. We believe that incorporating ESG considerations in business practices is essential for long-term sustainable growth and the well-being of society. As part of this commitment, we work with our partners to encourage and support responsible business practices and sustainable entrepreneurship.

YBTT is proud to have a diverse team of experienced professionals in leadership positions for over five years. Our directors represent a range of business sectors, including Law, Accounting, Banking and Finance, Agriculture, Human Resources, and Entrepreneurship. A knowledgeable operations team led by a proficient General Manager supports the board to achieve our objectives.

Our Purpose

“Building a sustainable future through entrepreneurship.”

Our Vision

“Taking Entrepreneurship to the Next Level!”

Our Mission

“Empowering young entrepreneurs to build profitable and sustainable businesses.”

The People Behind the Mission

Our Board brings together expertise in business, finance, governance, innovation, and leadership to help guide YBTT’s mission of building a sustainable future through entrepreneurship.

Board Member & Secretary
Elaine Green S.C.

YBTT Chair

Dale Laughlin

Dale Laughlin serves as Chair of YBTT and is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and youth development. She believes that human potential is one of the Caribbean’s greatest untapped resources and is committed to expanding opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Her leadership helps guide YBTT’s strategic vision and national impact.

Vice Chairman

Colin Hosein

Colin Hosein has been part of YBTT for over 20 years, serving as a mentor, Director, and now Vice Chairman. As Director and Chief Auditor, Caribbean South & East at Scotiabank, he brings deep expertise in governance, risk management, and financial oversight. His long-standing commitment to entrepreneurship has helped countless young business owners turn ideas into viable enterprises.

Board Member & Secretary

Elaine Green S.C.

Elaine Green, S.C. has served on the YBTT Board since 2014 and currently serves as Board Secretary. A Senior Counsel and Head of Hudson-Phillips Chambers, she provides leadership in governance, compliance, and regulatory oversight. Her legal expertise helps strengthen YBTT’s accountability, board effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Board Member

Avalene Connelly

Avalene Connelly is Chief Operating Officer of G.A. Farrell & Associates Limited and brings more than two decades of experience in operations, human resources, and organizational development. Her expertise in building strong systems, managing risk, and developing people helps strengthen both YBTT and the entrepreneurs it serves.

Board Member

Gerard Thomas

Gerard Thomas is the CEO of Dolphin, a Caribbean-based mobile app that helps consumers access medication discounts and improve healthcare affordability. Previously, he served as Head of Innovation at Agostini Limited and founded Launch RockIt, a nonprofit dedicated to entrepreneurship development. Through his work with organizations including the IDB, World Bank, and Massy, he has championed innovation, business growth, and ecosystem development across the region. He is passionate about helping Caribbean entrepreneurs build globally competitive businesses.

Board Member

Georgina Terry

Georgina Terry-Cowan is Managing Director of Business & People Development Associates (BPD) and a specialist in leadership development, business transformation, and organizational performance. With over 20 years of experience helping organizations achieve sustainable results, she brings valuable expertise in developing entrepreneurial talent and strengthening leadership capacity.

Board Member

Jason Roach

Jason Roach is Chief Executive Officer of Rojan Marketing Ltd. and an accomplished entrepreneur with extensive experience in sales, distribution, and customer engagement. Having built businesses in competitive markets, he brings practical insight into growth, innovation, and execution. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs translate ideas into sustainable commercial success.

Board Member

Jeremy Bridglalsingh

Jeremy Bridglalsingh is an experienced executive leader who has served in both CEO and CFO roles. His background in financial governance, strategic planning, and organizational transformation provides valuable guidance to entrepreneurs seeking to build resilient, scalable businesses. He brings a strong focus on value creation and sustainable growth.

Board Member

Rachel Renie-Gonzales

Rachel Renie-Gonzales is the co-founder of D Market Movers Limited and a leading Caribbean entrepreneur in sustainable agriculture and climate innovation. Recognized internationally for pioneering regenerative farming solutions and advancing food security in the region, she brings expertise in innovation, impact-driven entrepreneurship, and building businesses that address complex environmental challenges.

Board Member

Randall Douglas

Randall Douglas is the Founder and Chief Consultant of Ingenuity Business Development, with more than 25 years of experience across business development, marketing, exports, and corporate leadership. His market-driven approach helps entrepreneurs identify growth opportunities, strengthen competitiveness, and develop practical strategies for long-term business success.

Chief Executive Officer

Shedron Collins

Shedron Collins is the Chief Executive Officer of Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago (YBTT), where he leads the organization’s mission of building a sustainable future through entrepreneurship. With more than 16 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs and developing entrepreneurship programmes, he is committed to helping individuals transform ideas into viable businesses that create jobs and economic value. His work focuses on strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, building strategic partnerships, and expanding opportunities for young and emerging entrepreneurs across Trinidad and Tobago.